Toby Edmonds among the growing list of trainers targeted by abusive punters

Angry punters are going to extraordinary lengths to seek out trainers and abuse them as they look for someone to blame for their misplaced wagering tactics. Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds has been among those in the firing line. See the details of expletive-laden messages to the respected horseman here.

ANGRY punters are going to extraordinary lengths to seek out trainers and abuse them for the performances of horses on the track as they look for someone to blame for their misplaced wagering tactics.

An attack on Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds was called out by his son and stable foreman Trent Edmonds on Twitter on Saturday, revealing the extent some are going to in a bid to lash them for the performances of their horses on the track.

It comes as Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell moved to condemn anyone harassing trainers.

The perpetrator went to the effort of going to the stable’s website and getting the contact number, made accessible so trainer’s can be contacted by clients and potential owners so they can run the business, before firing off multiple offensive messages laden with expletives.

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“Stable can go and get f***ed Lady I Am weak as piss and Elusive Melody back to the same s*** as it did when trained by Dwyer threw it away” the message read.

The horses mentioned refer to Lady I Am’s fourth place and Elusive Melody’s second-place at Ipswich on April 10.

Another exchange led the offender to label Edmonds a “dirty weak skunk” before the respected horseman threw out a cheeky barb back saying ‘Yep hope you backed it’.”

Jockey Tommy Berry is seen in the mounting yard with trainer Toby Edmonds (left) after riding Winter Bride to victory in race 1, the Wenona Girl Quality during Randwick Guineas Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Saturday, March 9, 2019. (AAP Image/Simon Bullard)

Toby Edmonds confirmed he was constantly abused by angry punters, who also use social media to target trainers, in a concerning trend for the racing industry.

Edmonds is one of Queensland’s leading trainers and his strike rate of 18.2% is the best of any of the top 10 in the statewide metropolitan premiership.

Many flocked to support the trainer and stable, with one saying: “Well I’m proud of you and everyone of your staff and owners that are behind you. For the work you do day in and out; for the wins, the losses. For the pride and care you take to these incredible athletes.”

Parnell was quick to slam anyone abusing the trainers.

“Racing Queensland condemns the behaviour of anyone who uses their social media accounts or mobile numbers to threaten, intimidate or harass industry participants,” Parnell said.

“They, like everyone else, are entitled to perform their jobs without vitriol being directed at them.”